Identify the title of the play, the genre, the name of the production company and where the show is playing in the opening paragraph. Example: The summer season of the Easy Street Players has just kicked off with a six-week run of "Muriel's Memoirs" at the newly renovated Crane Performing Arts Center. This contemporary drama directed by Maria Laris stars four accomplished actors whose faces will be familiar to patrons who follow Arcadia's theater scene.
Provide a brief synopsis of the play which describes the setting, introduces the main characters and tells the audience what the core conflict is. The purpose of this paragraph is to hook the readers' curiosity about what happens next but should never spoil their own enjoyment of the show by divulging all of the twists and surprises that await.
Share your observations about individual performances, the casting and chemistry, the set design, the costumes and how technical elements such as lighting, sound effects and music enhanced the production or detracted from it. Offer constructive remarks on what might have been done to make the show better. Example: The amplification of recorded music sometimes made it hard to hear what the actors were saying.
Include a reference to the playwright and other plays he or she has written. If there is anything interesting or unique about the inspiration behind the script, its performance history or why the director chose to produce it, mention that as well. Example: Ten percent of box office proceeds will be donated to the Tri-Cities Alzheimer's Foundation.
Provide readers with information on the performance dates and times, where to purchase tickets and whether there are any elements of the show such as violence, sex or strong language that make it inappropriate for young children.